Why Leeds United must make a move for Gyasi Zardes in January
Back in January, Teamtalk (h/t The Daily Star) had claimed that Leeds United were one of the English clubs interested in signing Columbus Crew forward Gyasi Zardes. However, a deal didn’t materialise and he stayed put at Columbus Crew.
Gyasi Zardes, 28, joined Columbus Crew from LA Galaxy in January 2018 and has been a prolific goalscorer at MAPFRE Stadium. He bagged 19 goals and two assists in his debut season with The Crew and although he couldn’t match the tally in the following season, the United States international ended up with 13 goals and two assists in 28 games.
With the 28-year-old having flourished in a centre-forward role in two seasons at Columbus Crew, Leeds United must rekindle their interest in Zardes during the January transfer window.
Leeds sit third in the Championship table, two points off league leaders West Brom after the completion of 16 games. Marcelo Bielsa’s side narrowly missed out on promotion last season but there is still hope this time around.
To aid their promotion push, Bielsa should look to bring in a couple of players in January. A striker has to be an absolute priority given Leeds’ lack of quality and depth in that department. Patrick Bamford hasn’t done enough to suggest he can be relied upon for a regular supply of goals, while Arsenal loanee Eddie Nketiah is currently out injured.
Nketiah’s extended absence deprives Bielsa of a centre-forward and that’s why the Whites should make a move for Gyasi Zardes.
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Predominantly a centre-forward, Zardes can also play on both wings and cause problems to the opposition backline. With the ability to create opportunities for his teammates and eye for goal, the USA international could work well in Bielsa’s system.
Verdict
If Zardes can come in at Elland Road and start scoring regularly, it would be massive for Bielsa’s side as the final third is where they’ve struggled this season. Despite never playing outside the United States, the 28-year-old is a gamble worth taking for the Whites and would certainly fire them into the Premier League.
